What You Need To Know When Taking A KS2 Job In London

In this article, we will explore the requirements and benefits of KS2 jobs in London. We will also give you a list of questions you should ask when applying. At the very minimum, you will need to make sure your Bachelor’s degree awards qualified teacher status(QTS). You can achieve this with a Bachelor of... Read More

At the very minimum, you will need to make sure your Bachelor’s degree awards qualified teacher status(QTS). You can achieve this with a Bachelor of Education degree, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education(PGCE), or through specialist schools like School Direct. You could even receive a tax-free bursary for teaching primary math. You will also have to pass a background check for the Disclosure and Barring Service(DBS).

Questions to ask when looking for a teaching job:

What benefits and and/or bonuses, if any, do they offer in addition to the main pay scale?

Is it single form entry or multi form entry (as in, one year per class, or more)?

With single form entry, you are bound to your class. On one hand, it is beneficial for the growth of the student (and your relationship with them). However, it means that you will have very little assistance (if any) with your lesson plans and activities.

Furthermore, being stuck with the same class and curriculum day in and day out can be exhausting. With multi-form entry, you can switch classes and subjects to keep things interesting. You will have another teacher’s help with lesson plans as well. However, with this comes the problem of conflicting plans. Make sure the other teacher is someone helpful and agreeable.

Are there opportunities for extra TLR (Teaching and Learning Responsibility) payment for experience? It is helpful if you have compatible experience.

What is their Ofsted(Office for Standards in Education) ranking? Ideally, you want it to be “good” or “outstanding” rather than “requires improvement” or simply “inadequate”.

Do they offer CPD(continuing professional development)? How do they focus on refining and improving their staff members?

What are their on-the-job training and certification opportunities?

Do they have other staff(such as teacher’s assistants) to help with line management?

What is their typical class size?

What is the contract type, is it full time, part time, or temporary?

What about the contract term, is it fixed or permanent?

Is the position good for NQTs(newly qualified teachers)?

How about overseas qualified teachers(OQTs) and overseas trained teachers (OTTs)? If you are not a UK citizen, you will need a passport and job permit.

How accessible is the school to public transit such as train and buses?

Is the school a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC)?

How much Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) time will you have? In some schools it is taken in a few short sessions, or you may have one afternoon off a week for PPA.

What will your class be doing during PPA time? Will a teacher’s assistant take over? Does the headmaster require you stay at the school to do this?

Are there Leadership and Management responsibilities? Is there time set aside for this? If so, it should be no less than half an hour. It should be no less than ten percent of teaching time.